Hearing loss decisions — 2015

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are at least as likely as not related to his in-service noise exposure.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss were not incurred or aggravated during active service, nor may they be presumed to have been so incurred. The claims are therefore denied.

The Board has granted service connection for right ear hearing loss and sleep apnea, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are at least as likely as not related to his in-service noise exposure.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a right ear hearing loss disability and therefore, service connection for this condition is denied. The issue of glaucoma was remanded but no further action has been taken.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and swelling in the groin were denied. The Board found that there was no evidence to support a finding of current disabilities or a causal relationship between these conditions and service.

The Board has granted service connection for left pronator syndrome, finding the evidence at least in equipoise as to whether it is related to active duty.,Service connection was not established for bilateral hearing loss due to insufficient evidence showing a nexus between current symptoms and active duty.

The Board has determined that the VA examination and opinion provided were inadequate, as they did not consider the Veteran's lay statements regarding in-service noise exposure and symptoms. The case is being remanded for another VA examination to address these issues.

The Board is considering multiple claims for service connection and reopening of previously denied claims. The Veteran's hearing loss, tinnitus, chronic pain due to burns, depressive neurosis, seizure disorder, and chronic sleep disorder are all under review.

The Board has directed further development due to the need for additional opinions and examination. The Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for a bilateral hearing loss disability is currently pending.

The Veteran's tinnitus was found to be incurred in service, and he is granted service connection for this condition. The Board also notes that the Veteran has bilateral hearing loss which may be related to his military service.

The Board finds that the Veteran has a bilateral hearing loss disability and tinnitus related to his military service, with an approximate balance of evidence in favor of these claims. The Veteran reported noise exposure during service and has provided credible testimony regarding his symptoms since service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to scheduling issues for a Board hearing. Service connection claims for ischemic heart disease, diabetes mellitus, PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus are pending.

The Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his military service, with the Board finding that both conditions were incurred in active service.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are related to his in-service noise exposure. The claim of entitlement to service connection for bilateral hearing loss was reopened due to new evidence submitted since the final May 2005 rating decision.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus and left ear hearing loss are related to his in-service noise exposure, and service connection is granted for both conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral knee disability and right ear hearing loss are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical opinions and records.

The Veteran's right ear hearing loss is not service-connected, but his left ear hearing loss was aggravated during combat service in Iraq.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his service, including noise exposure during active duty. As a result, both conditions have been granted service connection.

The Veteran's claim for higher initial ratings for bilateral hearing loss has been denied. The RO assigned a noncompensable evaluation prior to March 20, 2014 and a 10 percent evaluation thereafter.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability, PTSD, and left knee arthritis. The Board denied service connection for left elbow disability and left shoulder disability.